Nets don't impress Kevin Love

Timberwolves standout forward Kevin Love was not exactly gushing about the Nets after Brooklyn’s domination of his team on Sunday.

Love, who was held to 14 points, and only two after halftime, said his fatigue — not Paul Pierce’s defense on him — was to blame.

"They did a good job, but it was really just me being exhausted," said Love, who averages 26.3 points per game. "I couldn’t find any energy in the second half; that was really it. … I don’t know, I might be getting sick or something."

When asked if the Nets could "do some damage" in the playoffs, Love didn’t offer a ringing endorsement.

"Sure," Love said. "They’ve got guys who can step up and hit shots. They’re in the East."

The implication of that remark is that the Nets are taking advantage of playing in the easier Eastern Conference. But since Jan. 1, the Nets are 13-4 versus the West. The Timberwolves are 14-14 during that same span.

Garnett timetable

Kevin Garnett missed his 16th consecutive game with back spasms, but the Nets said he could return any time between Friday or April 9. They also said Garnett’s timetable is "subject to change based on his progress."

Coach Jason Kidd obviously was annoyed when pressed on Garnett’s timetable after the game, saying the 37-year-old would not have to practice in order to return to game action.

Garnett injured his back in the Feb. 27 win at Denver.

Other injuries

The Nets said Andrei Kirilenko (sprained left ankle), who missed his fourth straight game, could return by the middle of this week: the Nets host the Rockets on Tuesday and play at the Knicks on Wednesday. … Marcus Thornton (sore lower back) left the game in the fourth quarter. He admitted Sunday night he rushed back too quickly from a back bruise he suffered last week, and isn’t sure if he’ll be able to play Tuesday.